Job ID: 316989

Senior Manager, Nature Markets Project Development

Conservation International

Location: Africa, Regional / Global

Apply by: 16 Oct 2026

Relevant Sectors

Administration, Management, Finance/Accounting, Procurement

Environment, Climate, Energy, Water, Sanitation

Trade, Finance, Economics, Cooperation, Global

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity through science, policy, fieldwork and finance. The Senior Manager, Nature Markets Project Development will provide technical support for developing a portfolio of high-integrity nature market projects across Africa, reporting to the Managing Director, Nature Markets. The preferred location is Cape Town or Johannesburg (South Africa) or Nairobi (Kenya). Candidates based in other CI Africa locations, including Botswana, Liberia, Angola and Madagascar, will also be considered.

Responsibilities:

Support the development and implementation of nature market projects across Africa, delivering against agreed workplans, budgets, timelines and objectives.
Lead project scoping, technical assessments, due diligence, and the selection of appropriate nature market mechanisms.
Lead the preparation and review of technical studies and project documentation.
Support the application of safeguards, governance frameworks and benefit-sharing approaches.
Develop and manage workplans, budgets, risks and reporting.
Manage technical consultants and service providers, including Terms of Reference and review of deliverables.
Conduct field visits (about 30% travel within Africa) and prepare progress reports.
Work with Finance, Grants and Contracts, and Legal teams to ensure compliance with CI policies and donor agreements.
Support the Keystone Protected Area Financing initiative, the Nature Markets Accelerator and other Nature Markets initiatives.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, ecology, environmental science, conservation biology, forestry or a related field. An advanced degree is preferred.
Five or more years of experience in biodiversity conservation, conservation finance, natural capital, payments for ecosystem services, biodiversity credits or related fields, including developing or implementing nature market projects.
Strong project management experience, including coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing consultants.
Experience working with governments, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, the private sector and donors.
Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills in English.
Legal eligibility to work in one of the African countries where CI operates, without visa sponsorship.

Application Deadline: October 16, 2026 (11:49 PM EST) *Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, early submission is encouraged.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter via the Conservation International careers portal. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/applyRequisition?org=CONSERVATION&cws=39&rid=2756